1. Organizational Communication: An Introduction
Chapter One
Organizational Communication: An Introduction

2. Chapter Preview Define Organizational Communication
Discuss why communication is considered to be central, pervasive, and multifaceted in organizational settings.
Debunk some myths about organizational communication.
List and explain basic communication principles.
Describe the range of topics and scope of this textbook.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

3. Communication is Central to Organizational Activity
Communication shapes, limits, and defines perceptions of individuals and organizations.
It is necessary for all forms of organizational activity and success.
Many organizational failures are linked to poor communication practices.
“Communication does not just service the organization, it is the organization” (Pace and Faules).
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

4. Communication is a Pervasive Activity
All organizational members are almost continuously involved in communication activities.
Organizations function by operating interdependently.
Internal interaction and coordination between organizational units is required to produce successful products and services.
Poor interaction between organizational units affects products and services and hurts the “bottom line.”
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

5. Communication is a Pervasive Activity
(continued)
Organizations must relay information and solicit feedback from organizational members.
Managers spend 70% to 80% of their time in communication activities
Job expectations, procedures, and policies are learned through various organizational communication channels.
Managers must monitor feedback from employees to gauge employee performance and satisfaction and to modify management practices.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

6. Communication is a Pervasive Activity
(continued)
Poor communication can result in bruised interpersonal relationships.
Past experiences guide future interactions.
Bruised interpersonal relationships can directly or indirectly undermine organizational efficiency.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

7. Communication is Multidimensional
Organizational Communication can (and does) mean many things.
Some people refer to organizational communication as the skills of speaking, listening, and writing.
Others refer to the use of technologies to facilitate communication.
Still others refer to communication as the printed matter created and disseminated by an organization.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

8. Communication is Multidimensional
(continued)
Communication problems can occur in any organizational context.
Problems are not limited to the use of skills, technologies, or outputs.
For example, unproductive group meetings, lack of cultural awareness, and poor updating of websites may all fall under the blanket of organizational communication issues or problems.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

9. Myths Regarding Organizational Communication
Organizational communication pertains only to businesses and those who study business.
It is easy to train someone to be an effective communicator.
Organizational communication is the role of human resources or corporate communication people.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

10. Myths Regarding Organizational Communication
(continued)
People already know how to communicate. Certainly intelligent people can communicate well.
Sharing sophisticated vocabulary makes a group, and members of that group, effective organizational communicators.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

11. Defining Organizational Communication
Organizational communication is a field of study.
It involves creating, sending, receiving, and interpreting information.
It is complex and involves the coordination of people towards common organizational goals.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

12. Definition of Organizational Communication
Organizational communication is the study of why and how organizations send and receive information in a complex systemic environment.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

13. Principles of Communication
Communication is a non-linear process.
People co-construct communication as they simultaneously affect and are affected by each other.
Communication involves the past and immediate histories of those communicating and should be referred to as a process and not an “act” that is discrete.
Communication can be intentional or unintentional.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

14. Principles of Communication
Communication can be verbal or nonverbal.
Nonverbal message categories include chronemics, artifacts, oculesics, haptics, olfactics, paralanguage, physical characteristics (and others).
Sending a message is not synonymous with communicating.
Communication is irreversible.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

15. Principles of Communication
Communication is different from understanding.
Communication is contextual.
Contexts of Communication Include
Intrapersonal Communication
Dyadic Communication
Group Communication
Public Communication
Mass Communication
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

16. Four Defining Factors of Organizational Communication
Communication Skills
Having communication skills is more than having the competency to read, listen, write, and use technology.
Skilled communicators know how to communicate both appropriately and effectively.
This involves applying knowledge about the context, situation, and people involved in any communication activity.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

17. Four Defining Factors of Organizational Communication
Networks
Networks connect related units within an organization.
Establishing and cultivating these networks may be a challenge, but is necessary for effective communication, especially during times of organizational crisis.
The term “network” can also refer to the channels of communication available to communicate.
Having multiple channels allows organizational members communication flexibility, which may be needed for clarification or understanding.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

18. Four Defining Factors of Organizational Communication
Culture
Culture refers to the unique nature and environment of the organization and its employees.
Culture also refers to how an organization fits and manages its outside environment.
The world is smaller than ever.
The workplace is more ethnically diverse than ever before.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

19. Four Defining Factors of Organizational Communication
Power
Knowing how to communicate effectively and being able to apply that knowledge can be empowering for organizational members.
Power also relates to authority which is important for organizational study.
Power can be abused.
Ethical communication involves appropriate uses of power.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©

20. Features in the Text
Principle Applications are exercises that are designed to apply principles from the chapter.
Practitioner Perspectives are segments of interviews with executives who offer their insight on the importance of communication to organizational success.
Ethical Probes ask readers to consider moral questions pertaining to communication ethics and the appropriate use of power.
Organizational Communication: Foundations for Business and Management, 2e Thomson, 2006 ©